A GROUP of Merseyside farmers have closed off a road with boulders, claiming it is to protect themselves against drivers.

The group in Little Crosby have barricaded a country lane with rocks and are refusing to move them - despite Sefton Council threatening to fine them £1,000.

The farmers say they blocked the Little Crosby Road entrance to Dibb Lane after fly-tipping, travellers and people driving recklessly.

They have the support from a number of local councillors, who say they will campaign unless council officers drop their demands for the highway to be unblocked.

The local authority, however, has warned farmer and museum owner Bob Wright, from Little Crosby, who was involved in placing the stones, that they will make him pay a £1,000 penalty unless he clears the obstruction within a month.

Mr Wright insists he is not breaking the law and has won the support of councillors who asked officers not to pursue action against him until the decision has been explained to them.

Mr Wright said: "This is about protection of the countryside. Landlords have clearly been approached by someone who doesn't understand the countryside and asked us to remove the stones.

"Last summer we had to put vehicles in the way of the fields to stop travellers moving onto the land.

"Also the council has put stones down on the other end of the road to stop people dumping cars in a ditch.

"This is a bridlepath. There is no reason why cars should come down here.

"It is for walkers, horseriders and pushchairs - and they can all get down there now with the stones down.

"Now they have threatened me with a £1,000 fine."

The Hall Road end of Dibb Lane has been restricted for several years by stones.

The route is designated as a bridlepath and the farmers say it does not need vehicle access.

A council spokesman said there had been complaints about the obstruction and the council has a duty to keep the bridlepath clear.

He said: "Council officers have been

asked to prepare a report on this issue.

"This will go before the Crosby Area Committee for councillors to consider in the near future."

Cllr Wendy Jones has backed Mr Wright, and explained that council officers were in full support when the Hall Road end of Dibb Lane was blocked off several years ago.

She warned that councillors will "protest like mad" if the stones are removed.